NC Senator Phil Berger Says He Will Not Run For US Senate In 2014

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)-- North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger will not run for the U.S. Senate next year, saying it's not the right time to take on a statewide campaign.

Berger said Monday he wants to see through pending state policy reforms. He says he thinks he would have been a credible U.S. Senate candidate but says he believes he still can have a positive impact in the General Assembly.

The decision by the Eden attorney means there are four announced candidates for May's Republican primary, led in prominence by House Speaker Thom Tillis.

The winner is expected to take on Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan. Berger considered the idea for months and spoke to several Republicans with Washington connections.